Pelvic Nerve Mobilization for Primary Dysmenorrhea
Pakistan60 participantsStarted 2025-10-20
Plain-language summary
Primary dysmenorrhea is a highly prevalent condition among young women and is associated with significant pain, reduced quality of life, and academic absenteeism. Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used, many women seek non-pharmacological alternatives due to limited effectiveness or adverse effects. Emerging evidence suggests that altered pelvic neurodynamics may contribute to dysmenorrheic pain.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of external pelvic nerve mobilization in reducing menstrual pain and associated symptoms among university women with primary dysmenorrhea. Participants aged 18-30 years will be randomly allocated to receive either external pelvic nerve mobilization or a sham manual therapy intervention across three consecutive menstrual cycles. Outcomes will include pain intensity, menstrual distress, quality of life, pelvic tenderness, analgesic consumption, and academic absenteeism.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 30 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Female university students aged 18-30 years
* Regular menstrual cycles (24-35 days)
* Clinically diagnosed primary dysmenorrhea
* Average menstrual pain intensity ≥ 5 on Visual Analog Scale
* Willingness to participate and provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Secondary dysmenorrhea (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease)
* History of pelvic or spinal surgery
* Neurological disorders
* Current pregnancy or lactation
* Current physiotherapy or manual therapy treatment
* Contraindications to manual therapy
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Menstrual pain intensity
Timeframe: During the first three days of menstruation at baseline and during the first three days of each menstrual cycle for three consecutive cycles (each cycle = 28 days).